Do you find yourself wanting a stylish pedal to show off your new road bike? Does your current pedal need to be upgraded? Then look no further.
While no two pedals are the same, these ten best flat bike pedals are sure to add some wonderful enhancements to your bike. Whether you are an avid touring cyclist or a mountain bike guru, these pedals are designed to fit your everyday biking needs.
Be sure to check out the Buyer’s Guide and FAQ at the end. With these pedals, you gain clear function and style. With every turn of the crank, you will find what you need with these versatile and dynamic flat pedals for your current bike.
BEST FLAT PEDALS FOR ROAD BIKES OVERVIEW
Image | Model | Features | Price |
 | Crankbrothers Stamp Flat BMX/MTB |
| |
 | OneUp Components Composite Pedal |
| |
 | LOOK Cycle Geo Trail Grip Pedal |
| |
 | Alston Mountain and Road Bike Pedals |
| |
 | Imrider MTB Mountain Bike Pedal |
| |
 | SOLODRIVE Mountain Bike Pedals |
| |
 | Cube Agree C62 Road Bike (2022) |
| |
 | Venzo Dual Function Multi-Purpose Pedal |
| |
 | SHIMANO PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal |
| |
 | SHIMANO PD-EH500 Urban Riding & Cycle Touring Double Sided Pedal |
|
Crankbrothers Stamp Flat BMX/MTB
We loved this pedal, hence putting it at the top of the list. With its impressive color lineup and general all-around feel, this pedal is sure to catch some attention.
The Crankbrothers products have always been known to have good support while maintaining ease of use and safety. This pedal is no exception.
Key Features include:
- Composite material
- Chromoly steel spindle
- Optimal Shoe/Pedal interface
Why We Liked It:
- Minimal profile with adjustable grip
- Great color options
- Works well with Crankbrothers shoes
Pros
Cons
OneUp Components Composite Pedal
This road bike pedal by the manufacturer OneUp Components is one to try out. With its impressive material and removable pins, it can easily be spotted as a lead-performing bike pedal. Don’t let its one size fool you though.
The OneUp Components Composite Pedal is designed to shape your foot for an optimal feel. Its wide platform design has increased stability allowing you to perform better around tight curves while on the road.
Key Features include:
- 10 rear-loading steel pins/side
- Nyloc nuts with thin leading-edge chamfered design
- Mid-weight at 355 grams
- Chromoly Steel axle with Nylon composite body
Why We Liked It:
- allows for more stability
- Excellent grip on the road or off-road
- vs. Performance ratio
Pros
Cons
LOOK Cycle Geo Trail Grip Pedal
You will this pedal! One of the most fascinating things about this pedal was putting it to the test on and off road.
We liked how the pedal contoured our feet while riding. It goes without saying, but having the proper grip is key to riding well. We also liked the design and feel of this pedal, making it one of the best so far.
Key Features include:
- all-terrain grip made with rubber
- Weather-repelling composite studs
- Activ Grip by Vibram
- Clever design with assorted color options
Why We Liked It:
- Excellent support system with Activ Grip technology
- Look and feel is different than most pedals
- An excellent brand that you can trust with 2-year warranty
Pros
Cons
Alston Mountain and Road Bike Pedals
If you’re in the mood for something different, these bike pedals are sure to please. They feature a wide variety of safety features and impressive performance that will keep you on the road.
In addition, Alston has a superior product line that will impress. Their top-quality products are what bike enthusiasts pedal toward most often.
Key Features include:
- Various color choices
- Superior design
- Fully sealed bearing
- Easy to install
Why We Liked It:
- The unique design of the bearing structure offers stability and support
- Unique colors to choose from
- The metal design provides durability and style
Pros
Cons
Imrider MTB Mountain Bike Pedal
One of the most impressive bike pedals we found is this one. With a lightweight nylon 9/16-inch design this pedal is suitable for BMX riders, kid’s bikes, road bikes, and mountain bicycles. This petal would be a terrific addition to any other pedals you may have, especially if you do a combination of city and off-road biking.
Key Features include:
- Big platform shape
- 9/16-inch threads
- Replaceable pins
- Nylon pedal body
- Lightweight
- Waterproof material.
Why We Liked It:
- Stronger grip
- Sealed bearings to keep out water and dust
- Better quality materials with replaceable pins
Pros
Cons
SOLODRIVE Mountain Bike Pedals
SOLODRIVE has an impressive array of pedals, but this pedal was one of the best that we tested. Its durable lightweight design is what caught our attention. With this one, you can’t go wrong while pedaling long distances or even going up a few mountain treks.
Key Features Include:
- Flat design with 9 replaceable steel pins
- Ultra-thin and wide platform
- Standard 9/16 spindle threads
- Easy to install
Why We Liked It:
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Strong and durable using CNC machined 6061 T6 Aluminum Alloy
- Wide range of colors and stylish
Pros
Cons
Crankbrothers Unisex Adult Double Shot Mountain Bike Pedal
Crankbrothers is always a wonderful place to start when you need an excellent quality bike pedal. This long-lasting pedal will get you on the road in no time and back again thanks to its intuitive design and flexible measurements.
Key Features include:
- A hybrid bike pedal with options for flat pedaling or cleats
- Aluminum body
- Premium bearings
- Lightweight aluminum and stainless steel construction.
Why We Liked It:
- An affordable choice for having a hybrid solution to a pedal
- Lightweight and durable with its steel and aluminum materials
- Great warranty and unisex which makes for an excellent choice
Pros
Cons
Venzo Dual Function Multi-Purpose Pedal
If you’re looking for something more versatile and want the option of being able to switch between a flat pedal or a clipless one, then this is a great choice. Venzo has just the right pedal for you. With its durable construction and adjustable tension when it comes to the clipless pedal, this will leave you feeling satisfied on every ride.
Key Features include:
- Dual Function pedal
- Fully compatible with Shimano cleats
- Die-cast aluminum body
Why We Liked It:
- Dual Function provides the best of both worlds allowing one to go clipless or strictly platform
- Adjustable tension allows for cleat tension by the screw on the side of the pedal
- Compatibility with all Shimano SPD MTB pedals systems
Pros
Cons
SHIMANO PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal
You can never go wrong with Shimano products and this latest pedal is sure to please. With its impressive design and lightweight feel, you will be flying down the road in no time. Be sure to come back though and reminisce about how great this pedal can do many good things.
Key Features include:
- Alloy steel material
- Multi-purpose clip/clipless pedals
- Cleat retention adjuster
- Includes a pair of 2-bolt cleats
Why We Liked It:
- Perfect for everyday riding with one side being platform and other side SPD clip-in
- User-friendly tension settings allow for clip-in options
Pros
Cons
SHIMANO PD-EH500 Urban Riding & Cycle Touring Double-Sided Pedal
It’s never too late in the game to get in on the action of touring or even urban cycling. With this impressive dual pedal, you have the best of both worlds while keeping the quality that comes with Shimano.
Key Features include:
- Dual use with clip/clipless on one side
- Enhanced grip on platform side
- Sealed cartridge axle unit
- Dark grey metal material
Why We Liked It:
- Versatile pedal for both platform and SPD pedal on other side
- Stylish pedal with excellent grip option for platform side
Pros
Cons
GUIDE TO BUYING A Best Flat Pedals
It’s time to get pedaling!
You might be wondering: What is a bike pedal? Well, it’s the most important part of your bicycle. Without it, you just have a bunch of parts that don’t work together very well.
The goal of this section is to help you understand how bike pedals work and how they make your bike go. We’ll look at their key components and what makes them unique from each other, as well as how to choose one for your own riding needs.
We’ll also be discussing some common questions about bike pedals such as “how often should I change my bike pedal?” or “what are the safety requirements for my bike pedal?” You’ll find answers to these questions and more in this section!
Finally, we’ll cover some frequently asked questions about bike pedals so that you can start riding with confidence and know exactly what’s going on when something goes wrong.
Pedals are made up of three main parts:
- The spindle, which connects to a crank arm.
- the body (which attaches directly to the crank arm).
- and the cage (which surrounds the spindle). The cage is what allows you to be able to put your foot in different positions so that you can change how fast or slow your bike moves forward or backward.
Each bike pedal consists of two different types:
a platform or a clipless. A platform is a standard bike pedal offering more helpful methods for pedaling, namely, you’re not using cleats and you have more wiggle room when pedaling. A clipless pedal consists of specialized pedals that allow one to attach to the pedal with cleats. This can be more efficient for certain mountain bikes or race bikes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, knowing the ins and outs of your bike pedal can make a huge difference. Pedals are an essential part of your bike they’re what allow you to push off and propel yourself forward. They’re also one of the first things people notice when they catch a glimpse of your ride, so it’s important that yours look good!
Many pedals come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on each one some may have different color schemes, and some may vary in weight and size.
Remember the three key areas that every pedal should have: the body, which fits into the crank; the pad (or cage), where your foot rests; and the axle (or spindle), which connects the two.
For safety reasons, the spindle should be attached securely and not have dust or water inside it. The bearings on the pad should be tightly snug and secure so that they do not move too much. This can cause unnecessary play and you could end up slipping off the pedal resulting in injury.
Choose a bike pedal that fits your standard foot size. Most pedals come in 9/16 20 TPI. If you are planning to go on a long bike ride, use a pedal that won’t wear down with use. A thicker pad is most suitable.
Make sure that the bearings are tightly fit and that the cage is properly set. Some cages can become worn over time if the bearings are exposed to weather or prolonged pressure and heat. It’s important to check up on your pedals before each ride to make sure they are properly secure and fitted (if using a clipless pedal).
Know that each pedal is different, and you can always change them out if you are unhappy with them. Be safe and enjoy your new pedals!
other accessories …
- “Ride Safe, Ride Smart: 10 Best Road Bike Helmets for 2023”
- “Take Your Ride to the Next Level: The Ultimate Guide to the 10 Best Speedometers for Road Bikes in 2023”
FAQS ABOUT Best Flat Pedals
How often should I change my bike pedals?
Usually when the bearings have resistance. When you turn the pedal holding it upright, does the pedal slowly crank? If so, it might be time to replace it.
Are clipless pedals better than regular flat pedals?
It depends. Mainly, clipless pedals are good for racing as opposed to just riding solo on longer bike treks. Anyone who rides knows that platform (or flat) pedals are great for any use.
Do pedals make a difference on a road bike?
Depending on what pedal you use or the type of biking you do, pedals do make a difference. For the casual bike rider, a normal fitting pedal with a platform ranging from 9/16 20 TPI on up will be suitable. For more racing-style biking, a clipless lightweight pedal will do just fine.
Is it okay to use flat pedals on a road bike?
It’s perfectly fine to use a flat pedal on a road bike. This can be good since one may get off the bike more often than not. It’s also good for mountain biking since you are not strapped onto the pedal, and since it requires more freedom and less foot control.
What are the sizes of a typical bike pedal?
Normal-size bike pedals are usually 9/16” x 20 TPI threads. Pedals for one-piece cranks are ½” x 20 TPI threads.
Conclusion
Whatever bike pedal you choose, know that each pedal has minor differences in terms of safety features and versatility. Each pedal could be clipless or flat. Whatever you choose, remember that each pedal will go a long way in keeping you safe and allowing you to ride your best.
Each pedal makes a difference in terms of weight, color, size, and overall placement of bearings.
Depending on the type of bike road you are on, be sure to use a pedal that fits your shoe size, and always check to make sure the pedal is fastened securely to your crank arm. Make sure that the bearings are not loose. And always ride with confidence! See you on the road!
